Koneru,Humpy - Muzychuk,Anna [B13]

Yildiz,Betul Cemre - Kosintseva,Tatiana

 The key game of the tournament between Humpy Koneru and Anna Muzyhcuk, who have the best chances for the second place in the Grand Prix Series, happened in the ninth round. The leader of the tournament Humpy Koneru chose a bit passive strategy and was defeated by Anna Muzychuk. Thus Slovenian player became the sole leader half a point above two rounds to go. Former world champion scored first full point in the tournament by winning against Kubra Ozturk who sacrificed a pawn in the middle game but didn’t get enough compensation later on. Tatiana Kosinsteva committed three times the same mistake until Betul Yildiz found the winning move and converted the score in her favor. Zhao Xue was persistent in finding winning chances against Monika Socko and eventually succeeded to take the full point. Two more games could be decisive today if Viktorija Cmilyte and Ju Wenjun would manage to convert their advantage into more.

On Tuesday 25 September the participants enjoyed the second free day. The organizers offered an excursion to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. In the museum visitors could see Atatürk's personal items, his wardrobe, and some of the gifts presented to him are on display in this museum. More information about Anitkabir is here. Pictures from the free day are in the gallery. 
the ninth round will start at 3 p.m. local time. Don`t miss the key match of the round 9 between Humpy Koneru and Anna Muzychuk.

By GM Adrian Mikhalchishin